The $10,000,000 Texas Wedding

by Judy Christenberry

  He didn’t want to tell his mother what Gran had done. She’d go ballistic. “I’m working things out. I’m not sure when I’ll be home. I’ve still got a few days off work,” he reminded her. Actually, he had the rest of the week. And he already knew he’d be in Cactus longer than that, but he wasn’t prepared to tell his mother yet.

  “Your father and I thought we’d go to the Bahamas for a week. We want you to come with us.”

  More guilt piled on Gabe. Not only was he not telling his mother the truth, but he also didn’t want to go on vacation with his parents.

  As she got older, his mother had become more and more demanding, running roughshod over his father and trying to do the same to him. But Gabe had put his foot down a few years back when he broke off his engagement. His mother had chosen April as her daughter-in-law and had been furious with Gabe when he’d spoiled her plans.

  “I can’t get away, Mom. Thanks for thinking of me, though.”

  She continued on for several more minutes. Finally, after demanding a promise that he would call soon, she hung up. He grabbed Cinnamon and padded into the kitchen. He’d plugged in the coffeepot last night and the enticing scent lured him on.

  Several cups later, as well as some bacon and toast, he pulled out his legal pad to look at the list he’d made only yesterday morning.

  Top of the list was a visit with the matchmakers. And he should have taken care of that business first. Then he wouldn’t have spent last night tending to Jack’s love life.

  He put a big star by number one. He could cross off number two, talk to Jack Ledbetter. He’d definitely talked more than he should have. Number three, make a decision about his job. He didn’t want to think about that.

  Which left number four. See Spence about a horse.

  Gabe couldn’t hold back a smile. Given his choice, going to Spence’s ranch would come in first. But buying a horse, unless he intended to resign his job and stay in Cactus, would be ridiculous.

  Immediately, he knew he’d already made his decision. He might not be able to practice law, because he wasn’t going to set himself up as competition for Mac and Tuck’s wife, Alex. But he’d find plenty to occupy himself with. He could ride, as soon as he bought a horse. He could hang out with the old-timers at the pool hall. He could…damn, he was going to be bored to tears without being able to practice law.

  He’d wanted a break from the high pressure of his job in Dallas. But he didn’t want perpetual vacation.

  Heaving a sigh, he considered commuting to Lubbock. And dismissed it. Driving two hours a day didn’t tempt him.

  The phone rang. If it was his mother again, he was going to have the phone disconnected.

  “Hello?”

  “Gabe, it’s Mac. Can I tempt you to lunch at The Last Roundup?”

  Pleasure filled him. “You bet. I don’t have anything scheduled.”

  “Great. I’ve got an idea I think you might like. See you at eleven. We’ll beat the noon rush.”

  “See you then.”

  He checked his watch and realized he could make a trip to Spence’s ranch before lunch. It was only eight-thirty. The day was looking up.

  KATHERINE’S DAY didn’t start well.

  When she met her mother in the kitchen at five-thirty, before the sun was up, Margaret seemed to be lost in her own world. A very pleasant world, judging by the smile on her lips.

  “Mom, I didn’t get to tell you my news last night.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “I got a contract to supply nine more carrot cakes daily for restaurants in Lubbock.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “I think it means we’ll have the money for Paul’s tuition next fall, plus a little extra to start saving for Susan’s.” She expected her words to finally pierce the haze around Margaret.

  “Yes, dear.”

  In frustration she watched as her mother stirred sugar into the eggs she’d beaten. Things were not going well.

  “Mom!”

  Her sharp voice had Margaret turning to stare at her. “Is something wrong?”

  “You just sugared the eggs.”

  Margaret stared at the bowl in front of her as if it had sprouted wings. “I did?”

  Katherine put her arm around her mother. “I know you’re distracted, what with last night’s events, but I’m going to need your help at the shop in the morning. Can you come?”

  “Why? Is Evelyn or Mary sick?”

  With a sigh, Katherine started her story all over again.

  She’d almost finished eating breakfast, her mother having agreed to her request, when Susan stumbled into the kitchen. Not a morning person, Susan usually had to be dragged from her bed to get to school on time.

  “Susan!” Katherine exclaimed. “Is something wrong? Are you sick?”

  “No! I’m fine. I thought I’d help Mom with breakfast. Uh, want me to gather eggs this morning, too? I think they’re laying more now.”

  Katherine and her mother looked at each other, but it was to Susan that Katherine spoke. Standing, she hugged her sister. “Thanks, angel, but we’ll need them tomorrow. I got a new contract yesterday. It’ll mean extra money for college.”

  Again her announcement met with no enthusiasm.

  “I’m thinking about getting a job.”

  “I thought you were going to work for me this summer. I’m counting on you.”

  “You don’t need me. You’re giving me a job because I’m your sister. Well, I’ll save you some money. I’ll get a job at the Dairy Queen.” Her statement was accompanied by a sniff.

  Katherine wanted to groan. To cover her face with her hands and ask “Why me?” Instead, she smiled at Susan. “With this new contract, I have to have someone. If you hate the idea of the job, then I’ll find someone else. But I’d rather have you.”

  Susan gave her a cautious look. “Are you sure? Because I don’t want you to make any more sacrifices.”

  Katherine wanted to kill Gabriel Dawson.

  “Oh, yeah, I’m sure. We’re going to be making fourteen carrot cakes six days a week. You’ll be busy.”

  The high number awed Susan into forgetting her martyr posture. “Wow. That’s awesome. How did that happen?”

  “Jessica put in a good word for me.”

  “It happened because your sister is an excellent cook and a hard worker,” Margaret said, adding her own explanation.

  Susan slumped. “I’ve tried to help. I can’t help it if I’m a night person.”

  Katherine gave her sister another hug. “Mom wasn’t complaining about you, Suse. You’ve been a good helper. And you’ll work your buns off this summer,” she added with a smile.

  Susan threw back her shoulders and gave a brave smile, as if she were being sent into battle. “I’ll be there for you, Katie. I promise.”

  “Good. I have to run. See you this evening.” She hurried out the door, reminding herself that if Gabe came within sight today, she was going to let him have it.

  GABE WAS THE PROUD OWNER of a good-looking gelding by the time he got to the restaurant. And a sweet little bay mare.

  Before he’d left the ranch, Spence had teased him about the purchase of the mare. She was a little too lightweight for him to ride.

  “Who’s gonna be riding Daisy?”

  “I don’t know, Spence. I don’t want Thunder to get lonesome.”

  Spence grinned. “I thought maybe you had a lady friend from Dallas who might be visiting you.”

  “Nope. I’m done with the big city. At least for a while.”

  “Hot dog! It’ll be like old times. We rodeo on Saturdays, you know. Can you still hang on to a horse like you used to?”

  “Maybe,” Gabe said with a smile. “I’m not sure about surviving those times I don’t hang on. My bones are getting old.”

  Spence had slapped him on the back and offered words of encouragement.

  As Gabe entered the restaurant, he was remembering when he’d taught Katie to ride. Her parents hadn’t been able to
afford any horses. But his grandmother always kept horses for him. Their last summer together, he and Katie had gone for long rides, holding hands. Picnicking under the few shade trees. Even wading in the creek.

  “Gabe, back here,” Mac called, catching his attention.

  Surprise filled Gabe as he realized Mac wasn’t alone.

  Not only was his partner, Alexandra Langford, sitting at the table, but also a man Gabe didn’t know.

  The men stood, and Mac gestured to the other man. “Gabe, let me introduce Rick Astin.”

  Gabe automatically held out his hand, but as he did, the name came into focus. “CAP computers?”

  “Used to be,” the man said, a smile on his face. He was dressed in typical Cactus gear, jeans, boots and a flannel shirt.

  “You live here?” Gabe asked in surprise.

  “Yeah. I have the spread between Tuck and Spence.”

  “Oh. The old Miller place.”

  “Yeah.”

  Gabe had noticed someone with money must have bought it, because the fencing was new and expensive, with a gate that meant business.

  The waitress appeared at once and they all ordered. As soon as she’d left the table, Mac leaned forward. “I asked Rick to meet with us because he’s considering hiring us on a retainer.”

  Gabe looked at the other man. “You expecting a law suit?”

  Rick grinned. “Nope. But I’m starting a couple of new companies.”

  “Here in Cactus?” Gabe knew what new businesses could mean to a town the size of Cactus.

  “Yeah. Here and in Fort Worth.”

  “Well, I couldn’t recommend anyone more than Mac and Alex.”

  “I agree,” Rick assured him. “Mac’s already helped on a personal matter.”

  Gabe wasn’t sure what was going on, but he didn’t think Mac had asked him to lunch to help him persuade Rick to hire his firm. So why had he brought them together?

  Chapter Eight

  Mac grinned, as if realizing Gabe’s confusion. “You’re here because we’re going to need some help. Another lawyer.”

  Gabe’s heartbeat sped up. Was this the answer to his future? Could he live here in Cactus and have a law career?

  “You expect that much work?” he asked cautiously. No need to get his hopes up unduly.

  It was Alexandra who answered. “There will be an increase in work and both of us are already working more than we intended.” She smiled. “You know Mac doesn’t need the money, and, frankly, neither do I. And I’m expecting our second child in six months.”

  “Congratulations,” Gabe said, smiling back. “Wow, Tuck with two babies. Incredible.”

  Mac looked superior. “I’m ahead of him. I already have two.”

  Rick’s grin was even bigger. “Got you both beat. I have two with a third on the way.”

  Then all three of them stared at Gabe. He raised both hands in protest. “Hey, don’t look at me. I’ll be the resident bachelor. Someone has to be.”

  “Not in Cactus,” Alexandra assured him. “That’s like painting a target sign on your chest.”

  “I’ll duck,” Gabe told her. And reminded himself that he had to visit the matchmakers today. He intended to paint a target sign, all right, but not on himself.

  “So what do you think?” Mac asked, leaning forward. “I know you said you hadn’t made up your mind yet about staying, but I thought you should know about the opportunity.”

  “Actually, I have made up my mind.” He paused, then said, “I bought some horses from Spence this morning. I’m staying.”

  “Yahoo!” Mac whooped, clinching his fist in the air. “All right, Gabe. That’s great!”

  “That doesn’t mean he’ll want to work with us,” Alexandra said quietly. “Some men have difficulty working with a woman.”

  Gabe shook his head. “I’m not one of them. I like the people I work with to be smart. And that’s already a guarantee or Mac wouldn’t be working with you. I’d be delighted to buy into the partnership, or simply work for the two of you.”

  Mac gave Alexandra a “see, I told you so” look. Then he turned to Rick. “You have any questions about Gabe’s experience? Want him to tell you what he’s been doing?”

  “Actually, I would.” Rick gave him a smile, but he waited for Gabe’s reply.

  Gabe summed up his experience in Dallas after graduating in the top quarter of his law school.

  “Sounds like your experience will complement Mac and Alex’s. You’ll be the best firm in north Texas.”

  After they ate, Rick excused himself. “I don’t like to leave Megan alone too long.” After shaking hands, he hurried out.

  “She’s not really alone,” Alexandra said with a smile. “Her mother lives with them and they have a lot of employees, but he’s crazy about Megan.”

  “Another matchmaker success,” Mac added.

  “The matchmakers put them together?” Gabe asked, his interest quickening.

  “Yeah. Megan and her mom had just moved back. Her mom was raised here and knew our mothers. Megan thought, and I advised, that it would be best if she were married. She was trying to get guardianship of her sister’s two children. None of us knew Rick was wealthy. He was working his place almost by himself, on a tight budget.”

  “Why?” Gabe asked, wondering if the guy was crazy. He’d heard the computer company sold for over a billion dollars.

  Mac shrugged his shoulders. “He wanted to prove himself, to…to get involved in life again.”

  He didn’t have to say any more. While Gabe didn’t have a billion dollars, he had a lot of money now. But he’d felt lost, unanchored.

  “Sounds like he’s doing good things for Cactus.”

  “Yeah. So, do you want to be a partner? Alex and I talked about it, and we’re both happy with that idea. But if you don’t want the responsibility, we’re okay with that, too.”

  Gabe looked at first Mac and then Alex. “I’d like to be a partner.”

  After lingering over coffee, working out the details, Gabe left his two new partners and started toward his car. His gaze automatically went to The Lemon Drop Shop.

  And he came to an abrupt halt.

  There, at an outside table, sat the four women he needed to talk to.

  Mabel Baxter, Cal’s mother, Edith Hauk, Spence’s mother, Ruth Langford, Tuck’s mother, and Florence Greenfield, Mac’s aunt. All four ladies were sitting at a table under one of the yellow umbrellas.

  Fate was with him.

  He crossed the square and headed straight for their table, after making a quick visual check for Katie. She wasn’t in sight.

  All four ladies greeted him enthusiastically. After all, he’d played with their sons often.

  “I hope you don’t mind me intruding,” he said. “But I’ve been hoping to visit with you.”

  “We’re delighted you’re joining us. Pull up another chair,” Mabel invited.

  Gabe did as she asked.

  Florence leaned forward. “Katie will bring you out a lemonade if you ask. Or some cookies.”

  Gabe tried to control his nerves as he looked over his shoulder. “Uh, no. I just ate, with Mac and Alex, and a new guy, Rick Astin.”

  Ruth nodded, smiling. “Rick is so nice. He’s doing a lot for Cactus.”

  “I heard. Actually, I’m joining Mac and Alex’s law firm,” Gabe said, a little surprised at how good that announcement felt to him. He’d had bigger successes in his career, but this connection pleased him.

  After a round of congratulations, the ladies turned the discussion to their favorite subject, asking Gabe about his romantic situation.

  “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” he began.

  Edith cut him off before he could continue. “You want some help getting back with Katie? That’s wonderful!”

  “No!” Gabe roared, standing.

  The ladies all stared at him curiously, and he turned beet red as he subsided back into his chair. “I mean, I want you to find someone el
se for Katie to marry.”

  “Katie wants to marry? Of course, we’d be delighted to help her,” Florence said, her voice softening. “She’s such a wonderful person.”

  “We’ll talk to her,” Mabel said. “I’m sure she’s shy about—”

  “No!” Gabe took a deep breath. He couldn’t believe his lack of control. “Uh, Katie doesn’t—she’s not planning on remarrying, but—hell!—I mean, Gran left me her estate on the condition that I marry Katie.”

  There. The truth was out. He knew the ladies would help him now. But they were all staring at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  “And you want her to marry someone else?” Mabel asked.

  He drew a deep breath. “I forgot to mention that I don’t have to marry her if she marries someone else first.”

  “So you’re not interested in Katie any longer?” Edith asked. “Because you used to be—”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “No, he’s not,” a soft voice said behind him. He spun around in his chair, almost tipping it over, to find Katie standing behind him.

  KATHERINE HAD KEPT her eye out for Gabe all morning. But she hadn’t expected to find him sitting at one of her tables, surrounded by old friends.

  Nor had she expected to hear him disavow any interest in her. Not that it was a shock. He’d made it pretty clear he wasn’t interested in having anything to do with her once he got his inheritance.

  “How nice of you to share your lack of interest with the town,” she added, staring at him.

  “I didn’t mean—I was trying to explain—” Gabe began, his cheeks red.

  “I think you’ve explained enough. Did you want something to drink?”

  “No.”

  “Ladies, can I bring you more cookies, or refill your drinks?”

  “No, thank you,” Mabel said with a smile. “But I heard a rumor this morning about your mother. Is it true?”

  “Why don’t you ask Gabe? He’s almost as good as the four of you. Mom owes it all to him.” And she hurried back into the shop. Let Gabe be grilled by those women for every detail. It would serve him right.

  She went past Evelyn, at the counter, to the kitchen. There was usually a lull in business until three or four, so she needed to use the time to prepare for the morning. She took a crisper filled with carrots and set them down by the cutting board. Then she picked up a large knife.